Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker addresses media before China Games
Devin Booker held a news conference in Macao, China, leading up to the Phoenix Suns’ preseason matchups against the Brooklyn Nets.
Provided by the Phoenix Suns
It is only fitting that the Phoenix Suns honored undisputed super middleweight boxing champion Terence Crawford at their preseason win over the L.A. Lakers on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
The Suns have emphasized grit, toughness and defense when it comes to how they want to re-tool their team this season and beyond. Therefore, nobody should be surprised that they have an affinity for “Bud” Crawford. The team even gave him a 42-0 jersey at the game, referencing his 42-0 career professional boxing record:
Crawford also was awarded Suns-themed gloves that honor his 42-0 record as well by the team.
When it comes to grit and toughness, Crawford is at the top in combat sports. Crawford is known to have a wrestling-influenced boxing style where he is dead set on controlling his opponent.
It was a major part of why he defeated boxing titan Canelo Alvarez in their clash for the undisputed super middleweight title on Sept. 13. Crawford seemed very comfortable in the ring for the entire bout and defensively was able to block many power hooks that Alvarez consistently threw. Crawford was composed despite Alvarez being the favorite and despite Crawford having to climb up multiple weight classes to even qualify for the bout.
Fittingly enough, the Suns have made an effort to build a bigger roster this offseason with more length. It has even been evidenced by the team trading superstar forward Kevin Durant for a package that included a top 10 overall draft pick that they used to select 7-foot-1-inch center Khaman Maluach, and the team trading for 7-foot-1-inch center Mark Williams.
As for Crawford, his grit and toughness helped him overcome the challenge of moving up multiple weight classes while maintaining his speed. He even credited him always sparring with bigger opponents as something that helped him make the jump.
Like Crawford, the team had a great defensive showing at the game against the Lakers. They allowed just 104 points to Los Angeles, despite the Suns sitting their top two point-of-attack defenders in guard/forwards Dillon Brooks and Ryan Dunn. The Suns also had two players, Maluach and forward CJ Huntley, come up with three or more steals.
The new-look Suns begin their regular season on Oct. 22, against another division opponent in the Sacramento Kings.